The government has reopened its nationwide Call for Evidence on tackling violence against women and girls.
They’ve reopened the call for two weeks in recognition of the widespread sharing of experiences on social media in response to the tragic developments in the Sarah Everard case.
The Call for Evidence originally closed in February. It included the first ever public survey on tackling violence against women and girls to hear from victims and survivors directly. That will also re-open, and the findings will help inform the Government’s forthcoming Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, which will be published in the summer.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said:
While an awful incident like this is incredibly rare, it is worrying because it reminds women everywhere of the steps we all take on a daily basis, without a second thought, to keep ourselves safe.
So many of you have bravely shared your own experiences of harassment, abuse and violence online over recent days. So today I am re-opening our nationwide call for views on tackling violence against women and girls. The government is listening.
Everyone should be free to walk our streets without the slightest fear. Sarah and her family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will continue to do all I can in my role as Home Secretary to protect women and girls.
The initial Call for Evidence was open for 10 weeks from 10 December 2020 before closing on 19 February 2021. The survey closed with over 15,000 responses.